At 10:42 a.m., the Stoneham Fire Department received a 911 call from a worker in Stop & Shop, 259 Main St., reporting a plumbing issue had caused a gas haze to form in the air.

Engine 2 and Ladder 1 responded to the scene. Crews entered the store, and upon seeing the reported haze, evacuated the building.

Through an on scene investigation, firefighters determined that there was a leak in the store’s refrigeration system, near the frozen food section.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Fire Services’ Tier 1 Hazardous Materials Response Team was called to the scene.

Hazmat crews entered the store wearing self-contained breathing apparatus to assess the situation and to check the air quality.

Initial readings in Stop & Shop showed some gas, an asphyxiant, in the air. However, the majority of the gas had dissipated. The hazmat team was then able to stop the leak and further ventilate the building.

One customer was taken to an area hospital as a precaution. The gas leak did not have an effect on the environment.

Stoneham Fire, along with the hazmat team, cleared the scene around 1:30 p.m. The Board of Health is currently on scene and, following an inspection, the store is expected to re-open later this evening.

“I want to thank the state hazmat team for aiding us in our response, along with the Stoneham Police Department and Action Ambulance for their assistance on scene,” Chief Grafton said. “We are thankful that there were no serious injuries and the issue was quickly mitigated.”

Andover Fire Rescue Reminds Residents of Ice Safety Tips

ANDOVER — Fire Chief Michael Mansfield would like to remind residents to be cognizant of thin ice as temperatures continue to fluctuate.

With residents experiencing warmer weather this week, the Andover Fire Rescue warns that the mix of increased temperatures and precipitation could mean that it may be unsafe to walk, skate or fish on the ice.

“Although we’ve had periods of extremely cold weather this winter, temperatures will rise this week,” Chief Mansfield said. “We want to encourage residents to follow these tips and be extremely careful when considering stepping out onto the ice.”

Thin Ice

The Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs says ice should always be measured in multiple places before testing it with your weight. Ice two inches thick or less should be avoided completely. Ice with a depth of four inches or more is considered safe for ice fishing or other activities on foot. Five inches of ice is recommended for snowmobiles or ATVs. Eight to 12 inches is necessary for a small car, while 12 to 15 inches of ice is necessary for trucks.

General Ice and Cold Water Safety:

Never go onto the ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through the ice.

Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt a rescue. Call 911 instead.

New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decay, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.

Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing.

Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.

Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15 percent weaker.

Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick 10 feet away.

What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice

Reach-Throw-Go: If someone falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.) If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.

If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

If you have any questions, call Andover Fire Rescue at 978-475-1281. If you feel that someone may be in danger, dial 911.

Shrewsbury Fire Department Extinguishes Garage Fire

On Thursday, Feb. 8, at approximately 2:14 p.m., Shrewsbury Fire received a report of a garage fire at a residence on Oak Street.

Car 3, Tower 1, and Engines 2 and 3 responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, crews observed a flames showing from a detached two-car garage at the residence. Crews immediately began an exterior attack on the structure and were able to get the fire quickly under control by approximately 2:35 p.m.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation by the Shrewsbury Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

RAYNHAM — Chief James T. Januse reports that the Raynham Fire Department has extinguished a fire at a home on Britton Street late Sunday night.

At approximately 10:22 p.m., a resident called 911 to report that a fire had started in the kitchen at 331 Britton St.

When firefighters arrived flames and smoke were coming from the kitchen and an adjacent outside porch area.

The flames had gone into the wall and ceiling in the kitchen and out onto the porch. The man who called 911 attempted to put out the flames himself, but was unable to do so. He awoke his wife and both were able escape to safety. No injuries were reported.

The fire was quickly extinguished by Raynham firefighters and was contained to the kitchen and porch area.

The home sustained about $50,000 worth of fire, water and smoke damage.

The two residents were displaced and were being assisted by neighbors.

The fire is believed to have started at an electrical outlet in the kitchen. However, the cause is still under investigation.

Members of the Taunton Fire Department responded to the scene to provide assistance and the Bridgewater Fire Department provided station coverage for Raynham.